"Bringing our channel to Xfinity TV customers in these markets is a great way to start 2013," Tom Hayden, general manager of Smithsonial Networks, said in a release. "Smithsonian Channel is committed to delivering to television audiences across the country a unique brand of programming that only a network inspired by the Smithsonian Institution can. We are delighted to share this vision with a whole new set of subscribers.”

Xfinity TV Digital Preferred customers in these markets will also have access to Smithsonian Channel’s programs in Xfinity On Demand and Xfinity.com/TV.

Smithsonian Networks is a joint venture between Showtime Networks and the Smithsonian Institution. Its programs are largely inspired by the assets of the world’s largest museum complex. Other affiliates include DirecTV, Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, Cablevision, Verizon FiOS TV and AT&T U-verse.